'Toy Story' and more at Christmas on Route 66

Wednesday

Nov 30, 2016 at 5:18 PM

Mike Lamb @mlambdispatch

BARSTOW — "Toy Story" will come alive in downtown on Main Street on Friday night.

Characters from the popular Disney movie will join other entertainment acts for the third annual Christmas on Route 66 and Downtown Holiday Street Fair that will start at 5 p.m. and will culminate with the tree lighting.

"We expect a large turnout," Barstow Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Eugene Butticci said. He said the turnout last year was "tremendous."

The entertainment lineup is all local, according to event organizer Deede Crigler.

"Everybody's donating their time to do it," she said.

Mrs. Loretta's Tot Time will be first up on stage at 5 p.m. and dancers from Studio M will follow at 5:10 p.m. Choir singers from First Baptist Church youth choir will start 5:20 p.m. and dancers from Motion Dance Studio will follow at 5:30 p.m.

Barstow Girl Scout Troup #150 will sing at 5:40 p.m. and dancers from the Barstow Public Recreation Department will perform at 5:50 p.m. Nesabella Events located in the Barstow Mall will then present the "Toy Story" characters.

The tree lighting ceremony will start at 7 p.m. Nick DiNapoli will sing the National Anthem and the Police Explorers will provide the Color Guard. Barstow Mayor Julie Hackbarth-McIntyre will conclude the ceremony with a few words. Jazz musician Joe Cruz will provide music from 7:30 to 8 p.m.

Butticci said the street fair will feature 26 vendors with three offering food. Santa Claus will set up shop inside the Greater Hope Foundation building. He will be taking requests and handing out candy.

Butticci also said Main Street in the downtown area will be closed to vehicle traffic at 2:30 p.m.

Mike Lamb can be reached at 760-957-0613 or mlamb@desertdispatch.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @mlambdispatch.